Why Japan, Why Now
Japan is one of those places that actually lives up to the hype. You'll eat better here than almost anywhere on the planet, and that includes the £1.50 onigiri from a convenience store at 2am. Tokyo is sensory overload in the best way. Kyoto makes you slow down whether you planned to or not. And the trains run so precisely on time that a 30-second delay makes national news.
It's expensive-ish, confusing at first, and completely worth figuring out. This guide covers everything you need to actually plan the trip, not just dream about it.
Best Time To Visit
Japan is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your priorities. Here's the quick version.
Spring (Mar to May)
Cherry blossom seasonCherry blossoms sweep the country, with pleasant weather but peak crowds and prices. Book well ahead if this is your window.
Summer (Jun to Aug)
Festival seasonFestival season shines, but expect heat and humidity, especially in the cities. Cooler escapes can be found in the mountains and Hokkaido.
Autumn (Sep to Nov)
Our top pickMild weather and stunning fall foliage make it perfect for exploring, with fewer crowds than spring. Genuinely one of the best windows to visit.
Winter (Dec to Feb)
Skiing and onsenIdeal for skiing in Hokkaido and relaxing in hot springs. Prices drop across the board, except around New Year when the whole country travels.
See Japan in 60 Seconds
Sixty seconds of neon streets, quiet temples, and bullet trains slicing through the countryside. Then read on for the full story.
Japan is a country where ancient traditions, futuristic cities, peaceful temples, and breathtaking natural landscapes exist side by side. In just 60 seconds, we’ll explore the neon streets of Tokyo, the historic temples of Kyoto, the iconic Mount Fuji, the cherry blossoms, and the incredible food and culture found across the country. Whether you’re travelling for technology, history, nature, or unforgettable experiences, Japan is a destination that feels completely unique at every turn.
Book The Essentials
The exact booking sites we use ourselves. Nothing here we wouldn't personally recommend.
What To Expect
The practical stuff, minus the waffle.
Capital
Tokyo is sensory overload in the best way, neon streets, quiet backstreet shrines, and the best convenience store food you'll ever eat.
Language
Japanese is the official language. English shows up on signs and with tourist-facing staff in Tokyo and Osaka, but drops off outside the big cities. Google Translate's camera feature is a lifesaver for menus.
Currency
The Japanese Yen (JPY). Rough ballpark: $1 is about 160 Yen, £1 is about 215 Yen, and €1 is about 184 Yen. Check XE before you go.
Cards & ATMs
In Tokyo and Osaka you can pay for pretty much everything with a card. You'll need cash for entrance fees and remote destinations. Contactless (Apple Pay, Google Pay) is widely accepted, and cash can be withdrawn from most 7-Eleven stores.
Plugs
Types A and B, 100V and 50/60Hz. Grab a universal adapter before you go.
Safety
Widely considered one of the safest countries in the world. Very low crime rate, especially violent crime, and solo travellers, including women, generally feel safe exploring both cities and rural areas.
Random Useful Tip
Vending machines are everywhere and sell way more than drinks, hot food, umbrellas, even fresh eggs in some places. Always carry a bit of coin change.
Never Ever
Don't stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, it's associated with funeral rites. And avoid eating or drinking while walking through quiet residential streets.
Live Weather in Tokyo
Straight from the source, updated as you read this.
26°C
- Temperature
Japan Travel Guides
From Tokyo's neon chaos to Kyoto's bamboo silence. The essentials, all in one place.
Kyoto's Temples: Zen Gardens & Ancient History
The temples, gardens, and quiet corners that make Kyoto worth slowing down for.
Read the guideBest Time to Visit Tokyo: A Seasonal Guide
A proper month-by-month breakdown for the capital, so you land at the right time.
Read the guideBest Time to Visit Japan: A Climate Guide
The full seasonal picture across the whole country, not just one city.
Read the guideLost in Translation: Navigating Japan as a First-Timer
Everything we wish we'd known before our first visit, the practical stuff that makes a real difference.
Get the tipsJapan Rail Pass: Ultimate Guide to Train Travel
Whether the JR Pass is worth it for your trip, and exactly how to use it once you've got one.
Read the guideJapan Hiroshima to Nagasaki Road Trip + Map: 5 Days Through Kyushu's History
A five-day route from the Peace Park through Kyushu, mapped stop by stop.
Get the routeLatest Japan Articles
Every Japan guide we publish lands here automatically.
City Guides (coming soon)
Itineraries + Maps
Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Best Time to Visit
Travel Tips
Everything Else
How Much Does Japan Cost?
Not as brutal as you've heard. Here's what to actually budget for, in pounds with dollars and euros alongside.
Backpacker
- Hostel dorms or capsule hotels from ¥2,500 a night
- Convenience store meals and ramen shops
- IC card for trains and buses
- Free temples, shrines, and city exploring
Mid-Range
- Business hotels or private hostel rooms
- Mid-range restaurants and izakayas
- Mix of metro and occasional Shinkansen
- Museums, cultural experiences, guided tours
Upscale
- Luxury ryokans and boutique hotels
- Omakase sushi and Michelin-starred dining
- Green Car Shinkansen and private transfers
- Private tours, onsen retreats, exclusive experiences
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Real prices in pounds, with dollars and euros alongside. Pick a category.
Budget
Mid to Luxury
City Travel
Long Distance
Eat Cheap
Eating Out
Budget Fun
Big Experiences
Tips for Saving Money in Japan
Ten easy ways to keep a Japan trip cheap without missing the good stuff.
Suica, Pasmo, or ICOCA. Cheaper than single tickets and works in convenience stores too.
7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson sell genuinely good food. Onigiri, bento boxes, and egg sandwiches for under £3.
Two Shinkansen return trips and the pass has already paid for itself.
Most temples, shrines, and parks cost nothing. The paid ones rarely top £5.
Tokyo to Osaka from £24. You save on a hotel night and travel at the same time.
Sushi, bento, and bakery items get marked down 30-50%. Same food, much less money.
Daiso, Seria, Can Do. Snacks, toiletries, souvenirs, everything's roughly £0.55.
Kyoto and Nara are made for cycling. Bike rental is about £3-8 a day.
Golden Week (late April to early May), cherry blossom season, and New Year all spike prices hard.
A genuinely fun experience, and they start from about £16 a night. Way better than they sound.
Getting Around Japan
Japan's transport system is absurdly good. Here's how to use it without overcomplicating things.
Domestic Flights
Best for reaching Hokkaido, Okinawa, or Kyushu fast. Budget airlines make it surprisingly affordable.
- Fast for long distances
- Budget carriers from under £23
- Airport time eats into the savings
Car & Campervan
Best for rural Japan. Hokkaido, Okinawa, and the Japanese Alps are tough to reach without one.
- Total freedom in the countryside
- Surprisingly affordable, from £38 a day
- You need an International Driving Permit
Public Transport
Best for getting around within Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto. Cheap, clean, runs every few minutes.
- Cheap with an IC card (Suica / Pasmo)
- Covers every corner of the city
- Confusing at first, overlapping networks
Shinkansen (Bullet Train)
Best for city-to-city travel. Tokyo to Kyoto in 2.5 hours. Runs like clockwork because it literally is.
- Fastest way between major cities
- JR Pass makes it affordable
- Single tickets are pricey without a pass
Intercity Bus
Best for budget travel. Overnight buses between Tokyo and Osaka save you a hotel night.
- Cheapest option from £24
- Overnight means free accommodation
- Tokyo to Osaka is 8-10 hours
Cycling
Best for exploring Kyoto, Nara, and smaller towns. Flat, scenic, and you see things you'd miss on a train.
- Cheap, £3-8 per day
- Perfect for temple-hopping in Kyoto
- Limited in Tokyo, too huge, not enough bike lanes
Which Is Right For You?
Metro plus IC card. Walk as much as you can.
Get a 7-day JR Pass. Worth every yen.
Rent a car. Public transport thins out fast.
Overnight buses plus budget flights.
Quick Tips
Peak season (cherry blossom, autumn) seats sell out. Reserve ahead.
Suica or Pasmo. Load it up and forget about buying single tickets.
7:30-9:30am in Tokyo is not fun. Shift your schedule if you can.
It works brilliantly for Japan transit. Real-time departures, platform numbers, the lot.
Related Resources
Because good trips still hit bumps. Here's the backup plan.
Travel Problems
Missed flights, lost luggage, dodgy hotels. It happens. Here's how to handle all of it without losing your mind.
Read the GuidesTheft & Scams
Pickpockets, tourist traps, and cons you won't see coming. We break down the most common ones and how to dodge them.
Protect YourselfTravel Insurance
Don't skip this one, especially travelling solo. We compare the best policies and explain what you actually need.
Find the Right PolicyJapan Travel FAQs
The questions we get asked most, answered honestly.
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
Is Japan safe for tourists?
How long do I need in Japan?
Is Japan expensive?
What's the best time to visit Japan?
Do I need to speak Japanese?
Do I need travel insurance for Japan?
Can I use credit cards in Japan?
What should I pack for Japan?
Is Japan good for solo travellers?
Travel Hubs Worth A Look
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